Case histories

Angel of the North

Gateshead Council commissioned a report (March 2008) to measure the economic effects of the Angel of the North. The following extracts have been taken from the report (source: ERS July 2008).

Facts

The Angel of the North is a sculpture, measuring some 20 metres high (66 feet), with a span of 52 metres (171 feet), fabricated in steel, adjacent to A1 and visible from the east coast mainline.

Its prime objective was to provide a strong clear landmark, to welcome visitors entering Gateshead.

The total cost was around £880,000. The construction budget was spent with north east businesses.

Gateshead Council estimates 8,000 people per week (400,000 a year) visit the site.

Image

The regularity and quality of exposure nationally and internationally about Gateshead and the region would have costs millions of pounds were its advertising equivalents to have been purchased.

The Angel enhanced the distinctiveness of Tyneside and the north east.

Many parts of the country now want their version of the Angel.

Cultural and Tourism Investment

The project was delivered on time, within budget and at no cost to tax payers, affording Gateshead Council huge credibility locally and nationally.

Gateshead Council was given the confidence to make stronger design statements.

The private sector has been quick to respond to the opportunities created.

The Angel is believed to have had an uplifting affect on other visitor attractions, raising the quality of the tourism offer.

Job creation

The Angel is seen to have boosted both tourism and creative/cultural industries in the region.

Commercial Investments

The spirit of confidence has encouraged a number of new commercial developments.

The Angel project gave confidence to Gateshead council staff, changing the dynamics between the Council and private sector developers.

Existing businesses were encouraged to invest more in the area.

Conclusion

The Angel achieved four “crucial” things. It:

1. gave Gateshead Council the confidence to undertake major and high profile capital projects
2. demonstrated to the people of Gateshead and to major funders that Gateshead Council could be trusted to deliver on its promises
3. showed Gateshead was ambitious, competent and entrepreneurial
4. strengthened the position of Gateshead in the region.

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The Spitfire Tribute

The Southern Daily Echo (8 December 2011) reports that full planning permission has been granted by Southampton City Council for a £2m tribute to the Spitfire to be built on land next to the City’s historic Trafalgar dry dock.

It is confirmed that a major fundraising drive is now underway to find the cash for the 40 metre (131 feet) high landmark statue of the “iconic plane”.

Chairman of the Spitfire Tribute Foundation says: “the news… has only added to the excitement that we all feel about bringing the tribute to Southampton.”

The plans provide for a giant curved steel mast raising a 1.5 times scale replica Spitfire into the air from a circular viewing platform.